🔗 Share this article European Union Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Official States The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.